AWESOME VIDEO: Star Wars Fans Remake ‘Episode I Racer’ and ‘Dark Forces’ Games in HD

March 16, 2019March 16, 2019 Victor Medina

Let’s face it – Star Wars video games are in a sad state. With “Battlefront II” getting mixed reviews, it seems there isn’t much to get gamers excited these days. One could easily argue that the most interesting modern Star Wars games are the ones that get cancelled (“Star Wars 1313,” anyone?).

A couple of fans, however, are single-handedly reminding us how great Star Wars games can be. They took two classic LucasArts titles – “Episode I Racer” and “Dark Forces” – and used Unreal Engine to remake them in HD. And the results were jaw-dropping.

A modder who goes by the name “Rob Jin” wanted to learn how to use Unreal Engine for game development, and did so by recreating the 1999 classic “Episode I Racer.” Released on Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, and in arcades, “Episode I Racer” holds a special place in the hearts of both Star Wars fans and gamers alike, even with its dated graphics.

After ten months, Rob Jin managed to recreate the Mos Espa stage and Anakin’s pod in a playable demo. It can be downloaded by clicking right here.

Here’s a trailer for the remade “Racer” demo, posted to YouTube by Rob Jin.

Here’s a gameplay video of the stage.

‘Dark Forces’ Remake

Meanwhile, developer Jason Lewis of Obsidian Entertainment is remaking “Star Wars: Dark Forces” using Unreal Engine 4. Lewis just released a demo and gameplay video featuring one of the game’s stages.

Released in 1995 for PC and Mac and in 1996 for Playstation, the game introduced us to mercenary Kyle Katarn and the Empire’s “Dark Troopers.” Familiar characters and settings including Tatooine, Jabba the Hutt, and General Madine are featured.

The graphics for Lewis’ remake are outstanding, looking every bit as good as any “official” video game release.

The “Dark Forces” demo can be downloaded by clicking right here.

Here’s a gameplay video for the “Dark Forces” remake.